Abstract: A torque transducer having a rotating shaft with first and second substantially rigid torque input members connected by a torsionally compliant coupling that enables angular deflection of the first torque input member relative to the second torque input member as a function of the magnitude of the torque in the shaft. First and second grating elements are attached to or integral with first and second torque input members, respectively. The grating elements have surfaces with alternating regions of high and low reflectivity connected by a torsionally compliant coupling. The surfaces are illuminated by a source of electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which generates patterns on one or more arrays of detectors sensitive to the EMR. The disposition of the patterns is a function of torque applied to the shaft, and the output of the one or more arrays can be processed to produce a measure of the torque applied to the shaft.

Abstract: A biological filtration apparatus comprises: a raw water introducing section for introducing raw water as water to be processed; a biological filtration section, disposed on the lower side of the raw water introducing section, for biologically purifying/refining/filtrating the raw water so as to yield processed water; a support section, disposed on the lower side of the biological filtration section, for supporting the biological filtration section, the support section having a liquid and gas permeability; and a water collecting section, disposed on the lower side of the support section, for collecting the processed water; the biological filtration section including a packed bed comprising a hollow carrier particle, made of a resin, having a true specific gravity of at least 1.01 g/ml but less than 1.2 g/ml.

Abstract: In order to provide a single-sided, conductor-pinching connector suitable for connecting numerous conductors while reducing occupation space, it comprises an insulating body having a flat male projection extending on its mating side, contact pieces whose contact stems are laid on the opposite surfaces of the flat male projection of the insulating body, a shell enclosing the mating side of the insulating body, and a press plate to press the stripped ends of the insulated conductors against the conductor-pinching rear ends of the contact pieces. The conductor-pinching rear ends are bent at right angle relative to the contact stems of the contact pieces, and are directed in one and same direction. The arranging of upright conductor-pinching ends in one and same direction rather than the opposite directions permits reduction of the connector thickness to possible minimum.